This is a multi-part series on “legitimacy of authority.” If you did not read last week’s email (or need to read it again), it is here.
There are three factors for people viewing you as a legitimate authority (which is important because people who view you as a legitimate authority are more likely to voluntarily comply with your rules).
Factor 2: The rules are predictable over time
In order for an authority figure to be viewed as legitimate, their rules must be predictable. Basically, what this means is that the rules today are the same as the rules yesterday (and tomorrow).
Imagine that you are driving to work (actually driving the speed limit) when you get pulled over by a police officer. He gives you a speeding ticket and when you protest, he says “Oh, I decided that for today, all speed limits are half of what it says on the posted sign.”
What would you think about speeding laws and your local police force?
Or, imagine that you arrive at work at 8:50 A.M. for your 9:00 A.M. shift. Your boss greets you at the door and hands you a written disciplinary action for “not arriving 15 minutes early.” You protest that you didn’t know you were supposed to arrive 15 minutes early, and she tells you that it is a new rule that started today.
What would you think about your boss? Would it undermine her credibility?
Next week: The third factor for legitimacy…
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